Bridgend Council has set out a new four-year digital strategy (pdf).
Over the last few years, there have been concrete moves by the council to move more services online, examples of which include the My Account system and the “Oggie” chatbot.
This also has a measure of public support, with 87% of people responding to 2019’s BCBC budget consultation agreeing that more services should be available online.
The aims of the new strategy (pdf) include:
- Ensure the public only have to input information once.
- Increase the number of self-service options on My Account and introduce an online booking service for council appointments (i.e. registrars) – an idea raised in the current budget consultation.
- Provide real-time information for staff and also conducting virtual meetings to cut down on unnecessary travel.
- Upgrading facilities to use cloud technology and improving digital infrastructure in schools.
- Abide by open data principles by making more information and data available to the public.
Traditional customer services would still be available but aimed at those in greatest need and older people.
Additionally, each online interaction/application is said to save up to £2.82 compared to paper/in-person situations.
A combined £927,000 is currently available in revenue and capital funding to support the digital strategy.
